Angling and Fishing

5 Responses to “Are there any places in Dayton Ohio where I can fish without my fishing license?”

1. LazyDayz Says:
   March 26th, 2010 at 12:16 pm

   In most states, and I don’t claim to know if this is true about Ohio, you only need a fishing license if you are fishing from a boat. If you are on land (fishing off the bank) you typically do not need a license.

   Or you could just get a license? LazyDayz

2. unmamfqlm Says:
   March 26th, 2010 at 6:06 pm

   You need a license for any public place you decide to fish be it off land or boat (for most places). You can fish privately owned places like ponds and what not without a license. States do have “free” fishing weekend when no license is required.

   Good advice Dan but I am pretty sure there are a couple states out there which allow you to fish from shore without a license, unless the laws recently changed. I took a vacation to Alabama one time and was told to fish there you didn’t need a license to fish from shore BUT you had to use live bait. Strange law but I believe it’s true. unmamfqlm

3. Dan B Says:
   March 27th, 2010 at 3:53 pm

   I hate to disagree with someone making an attempt to help out here with what they “think” is good advice, but I have to tell you that if you follow the advice given by Lazydayz, you are setting yourself up for some expensive fines. I don’t know ANY state that allows you to fish from shore without a license, but insists that you have one for fishing from a boat. That just simply is not true. There are few instances when a fishing license is NOT required. Most states do not require children under the age of 16 to be licensed. At the opposite extreme, some states allow seniors over a certain age to get a FREE license for the rest of their life, but you do STILL have to get it and you do have to have it on your person when you fish. Many states allow severely handicapped individuals to fish without a license also. The majority of the states have a free fishing day (or weekend) when anyone can fish without a license, but must still abide by ALL the other rules and regulations put forth in that state’s fishing laws. Some states have privately owned ponds where stocked fish are available to the guests of that resort, time-share, private park, etc. and where a state license is not required. In all other instances, I firmly believe you will need a license, no matter in what state you fish and regardless of whether you are standing on shore or fishing from a boat or other flotation device. To be absolutely certain, go to ANY bait and tackle shop, sporting goods store or county courthouse and ask for a copy of the current regulations. It’s ALL spelled out right there and there is no guess work to be considered. If you can’t find a copy, just call your local fish and game department which can be found in your phone book. They know EXACTLY what you need to know and will steer you in the right direction. And as a final thought, an Ohio fishing license can’t be all that expensive. Can it? Why don’t you just go buy it and then not worry about legalities?

   NOTE: I just went to and checked the requirements for a fishing license. It does not say anywhere that you can fish from shore without a license. Sorry. It states pretty clearly that adults do need a license and what forms of ID you’ll need to prove your residency. If you were fishing in a private pond, you may not have needed a license, but on state lands….. Well, you can read for yourself. Check the website. Dan B

4. William B Says:
   March 28th, 2010 at 2:48 am

   depends on your age, go to your state dnr and find out,
   in most states you can fish with out a lic at any place you have to pay to fish, or if you have a pond on your land, William B

5. michael Says:
   March 28th, 2010 at 4:08 am

   ohio fishing license…19 dollars
   avoiding a hefty fine and having a great day on the water…priceless michael

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